H1B, H4 Visa

Hello All,
From bottom of my heart, I would like to thank contributors here. This site has been of great help to me. Although I have gotten h1B visa before also but after sept 11 this was first time I had attended the interview so I was little nervous.

Here is the story :

Interview time : 10.00
Reach just 10 mins before interview time or you will have to wait, god knows for how long. I reached at 8.30 and had to wait until 10 before I could get into line.

Show the guard your appointment letter passport etc.
Carry just one envelope with all neccessary documentation, 797 degree, marksheet, appointment letter , DS forms etc.

On that day there were 917 interviews, so you could imagine how long it would have taken. My interview turn came at 3.15.

After waiting into line for 1 hour , I showed documentation to guy in window and gave him draft. After getting clearance from him, had to wait for another 30 mins before I could get into embassy. You are not alone if you are nervous,tensed or confused. But beleive me, Even if you forget draft or photo everything is available nearby. Just ask the Auto rickshaw driver and by paying nominal commision you can get those things.

Before entering embassy, security check was done
and since i was carrying just envelopes so it didnt take me long. After that fingure print line was there in which half hour was gone. So by 12 I was in interview line(and my interview was at 10).
The line had at least 200 people standing before me, I made some friends there and we watched India-sri lanka match in the interview room tv. To pass time we had placed bets on Sehwag too.

at 3, when I was 4-5 in line tension started building and we all discussed final strategy about how to answer questions.One guy was for tourist visa and rest were h1b.
I was dressed in suit and I strongly suggest you all be dressed in suit and tie even if you have to buy a new one for this purpose only. If you are in suit then more than half the battle is won even before interview.

Finally they called me to window and interview was less than a minute.

Here goes conversation

Me : How are you doing.
She(VO): Doing great

Me : Lot of people here today, you must be tired.
She : No i am not tired.
Me : Well I would be, its just overwhelming.

Me : I flew from london this morning just to attend this interview so I am very tired already.

She : Can I see your passport and 797
Me : Sure can
(Gave her passport draft forms which were stapled on my passport by the guy in window outisde embassy)

She : Where are you working now
Me : Blah blah

She: Are you leaving that company
Me : Yes mam.

She : Where is your new company
Me : Madison, Wisconsin the dairy state where there is lot of milk and cheese.

She : Can i see your appointment letter and copy of degree.
Me : here it is.

She : You are all set(meaning visa issued)
Me : Thanks and you have a wonderful day.

Then i went to courier counter and filled the address on envelope and I got my passport on 15th.

So guys if you are tensed it is good, you will prepare yourself better and remember 'SUIT AND TIE' and white shirt.

I wish good luck to all aspirants and feel free to email me in case you need any more suggestions.

Sg